Don’t try getting through customs without your passport. CBP won’t let you into the country. If you lose your passport while traveling, go to the nearest embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They can help you get a new one.
The form is a small, rectangular card, usually colored blue. The words “customs declaration” will be printed at the top. If you don’t get one, ask the flight staff about it. U. S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) now has Automated Passport Control (APC) booths at many major airports. U. S. , Canadian, and international travelers with a visa waiver can use the booths without having to fill out a customs form. [3] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Customs and Border Protection Federal law enforcement agency responsible for monitoring U. S. borders, facilitating international trade, and upholding customs laws Go to source
Make sure the information you provide is accurate. Any mistakes could slow down the customs process. Customs forms are only required for travelers arriving by boat and plane. If you travel by land, border patrol officers will still check your bags and ask you a few questions.
If you’re a U. S. citizen, estimate the total value of goods you purchased while abroad. This includes gifts you didn’t mail separately. You do not need to include anything you finished using before you boarded the plane. For visitors, calculate the total commercial value of all items you plan on leaving in the U. S. You do not need to include your personal belongings you plan on taking home with you.
Be as accurate as possible to ensure your trip through CBP checkpoints are as smooth and speedy as possible. Declaration lists are used for tax purposes as well as security, so CBP needs to know exactly what you’re bringing into the country.
If you need help, ask an officer. Try not to loiter in the checkpoint area. Sometimes, you may see a third lane for passengers going to connecting flights. Use this opportunity to expedite the customs process if you have another flight to catch.
For international travelers, CBP may print out an I-94 form and staple it to your passport. Keep this form with you, as you will need it when you depart the U. S.
For example, if the officer asks you about the nature of your trip, simply say something like “I was on vacation” or “I’m visiting relatives. ” The CBP officials are only trying to do their job, which is screening travelers for the country’s safety. Be respectful to them and they likely will return the favor. If you are a visitor, bringing along documentation can help. For instance, bring along communications from a business, university, or host that prove your reason for traveling.
Even if you submitted a photo for your visa application, you still need to go through this process. The CBP agent will guide you through the steps.
By rule you have to claim your bags and check them back in later if you need to board another flight. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security. If you’re traveling by boat or bus, you still need to claim your bags. For bus trips, the staff needs to move your bags back onto the vehicle after CBP is done checking them.
Choose the correct line to get through customs without a hitch. If you try to sneak through the faster line, security may stop you. Refer back to your customs form to know what you need to declare.
Be as specific and as prompt as possible when answering. That way, you can get through this checkpoint as quickly as possible. Slow or vague answers make the officers curious and ask more questions.
Giving the agents a hard time will make your day worse. Turn your bags over to them graciously. Remember, they are doing their jobs, not trying to give you a hard time.
Before checking your luggage, make sure tags match your next destination. After putting your luggage on the conveyor belt, you need to pass through a nearby security checkpoint to enter the flight hub. Be sure to place any liquids, gels, and aerosols over 3 oz (85 g) in your checked luggage, along with any other items restricted by the TSA.
